Oct 22nd, 2012

The Orlov (sometimes spelled Orloff) is a 189.62 carat diamond that is part of the collection of the Diamond Fund of the Moscow Kremlin.

The origin of this resplendent relic – described as having the shape and proportions of half a hen’s egg – can be traced back to the 18th century Sri Ranganathaswamy Hindu temple, in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India where it once served as the eye of the presiding deity.

This diamond should not be confused with the “Black Orlov diamond”, called the Eye of Brahma, which according to legend was stolen from a Temple near Pondicherry.